FRANKFORT, KY (WMDJ) — Former Kentucky Governor Martha Layne Collins, the Commonwealth’s first and only female governor, has died at 88.

Collins served as Kentucky’s 56th governor from 1983 to 1987. Her administration focused on education and economic development, including the landmark deal that brought Toyota’s first North American manufacturing plant to Georgetown in 1986, a move that created thousands of jobs across the state.

Before becoming governor, Collins served as lieutenant governor and acted as governor for more than 500 days during her term. After leaving office, she was president of St. Catharine College in Springfield and later taught leadership courses at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Gov. Andy Beshear said her leadership helped lay the foundation for a stronger Kentucky and that her legacy will continue to impact families for generations.